Lucky Foods for the Chinese New Year

CEBU, Philippines -  Certain dishes are eaten during the Chinese New Year for their symbolic meaning. These dishes mostly have names that are homonyms of wishes for the upcoming year, such as “have a lot of fun” or “make a lot of money.”

This year, the Chinese New Year falls tomorrow, January 28, where food is the cornerstone of the celebrations. The www.chinahighlights.com lists seven Chinese New Year dishes that are auspicious for tomorrow’s feast.

Fish – for Prosperity. But how fish is eaten matters. The fish should have leftover at the end of the meal to signify surplus in provisions during the year.

Chinese Dumplings – for Wealth. Legend has it that the more dumplings one eats during the Chinese New Year celebrations, the more money he can make in the upcoming year.

Spring Rolls – also for Wealth. The Cantonese dim sum dish – cylindrical-shaped rolls filled with vegetables, meat, or something sweet – get their name because these are traditionally eaten during the Spring Festival.

Glutinous Rice Cake – for Higher Income or Job Position. In Chinese, glutinous rice cake signify this means general improvement in life, whether in personal life or in career or business.

Sweet Rice Balls – for Family Togetherness. The round shape of tangyuan is associated with reunion and being together. That’s why these are always part of Chinese New Year celebrations.

Longevity Noodles – for Happiness and Longevity. The long, uncut noodles are symbolic of long life.

Good Fortune Fruits – for Fullness and Wealth. Tangerines and oranges, and pomelos are chosen for their round shape and “golden” in color, symbolizing fullness and wealth.  (FREEMAN NEWS)